Kirk Watson: “as former chair of the California Senate Health Committee for 17 years, let me say how pleased I am with the…”

“as former chair of the California Senate Health Committee for 17 years, let me say how pleased I am with the comprehensive legislation that the Health Care Equality and Accountability Act of 2003 contains. The elimination of racial and ethnic disparities is an issue whose time is long overdue, and I commend the CBC Brain Trust, the Tri-Caucus, the Democratic leadership, the Senate Health Committee, the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen), Senator Ted Kennedy, and everyone else who remained vigilant in completing this project. As Americans, we take pride in our diversity, and it is our greatest achievement that based upon that diversity, whether it is economic, political, or cultural diversity, we have built a Nation that is dedicated to providing equal opportunity for all. But, Mr. Speaker, much needs to be done before we can say that we have accomplished that goal, most notably in the field of health care. Racial and ethnic minorities too often are denied the high quality health care that most Americans receive. The Federal Government has recognized this serious problem and has set the goal of eliminating health disparities by the end of the decade. House and Senate Democrats have introduced legislation, the Health Care Equality and Accountability Act of 2003, that takes an important step towards making this national goal a reality.”